What are National Historic Landmarks?
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
What is the Purpose of this Bulletin?
How are Potential NHLs Identified?
Who Prepares NHL Nominations?
How are NHLs Designated?
What are the National Historic Landmarks Criteria?
Figure 1. National Historic
Landmarks Criteria

PREFACE
By definition, the almost 2,300 properties designated as National
Historic Landmarks are the most significant places in American
history-they illustrate and commemorate our collective past
and help us to understand our national identity. National Historic
Landmarks outstandingly represent and interpret the best and
brightest and the most tragic aspects of our history. Through
these Landmarks, all Americans can better understand and appreciate
the broad trends and events, important persons, great ideas
and ideals, and valuable accomplishments in the arts and sciences,
and humanities, that are truly significant in our history.

In the last several years, National Historic Landmark
theme studies in the areas of women's history, early contact
between Native Americans and Europeans, and the Underground
Railroad have produced numerous new Landmarks while fostering
a better understanding of these important trends in our diverse
history. Examples of the range of properties recently recognized
for their important linkages to our past include: the Holland
Tunnel, New York/New Jersey, significant for Engineering; Jackson
Pollock's Studio, Long Island, New York, significant for Art;
Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, a significant Ethnic
neighborhood, Bentonville Battlefield, North Carolina, a significant
Civil War battlefield; Greenbelt, Maryland, an early suburban
development; Philip Johnson's Glass House, Connecticut, significant
for Architecture; Titan 11 Missile Complex, Arizona, a Cold
War military site; Mapleleaf Shipwreck, Florida, significant
in Maritime history; Brown Chapel AME Church, Alabama, a pivotal
place in the Civil Rights movement; Brooks River District, Alaska,
a significant archeological district; and Dealey Plaza, Texas,
the location of the Kennedy Assassination

Although its legislative history stretches back
to the Historic Sites Act of 1935, the current National Historic
Landmarks program, as the Department of the Interior's way of
recognizing nationally significant sites, is soon approaching
its 40th anniversary The National Historic Landmarks Survey
is unique in that it provides a nationally comparative perspective
for the significance of individual historic places and requires
that these places retain a high level of integrity that communicates
an association with important events or trends. The requirements
for designation as a National Historic Landmark have always
been and will continue to be high.

The National Historic Landmarks program is also
about people, our citizens who care enough about the history
of the nation to seek designation as a nationally significant
site. It is my hope that this publication will encourage individuals,
organizations, government agencies and Indian tribes to work
with us to recognize the very best in American history through
designation as National Historic Landmarks.

Robert G. StantonDirector, National Park Service

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This bulletin was prepared by Patty Henry, Historian,
National Historic Landmarks Survey. Barbara Little, Archeologist,
National Register of Historic Places, wrote the section on the
revised thematic framework; Susan Kline, National Conference
of State Historic Preservation Officers, prepared the section
on multiple property nominations; and Marilyn Harper, Architectural
Historian, National Register of Historic Places, contributed
the section on boundary and documentation studies.

The author appreciates the use of portions of The Historic Sites
Survey and National Historic Landmarks Program: A History by
Barry Mackintosh, Bureau Historian, Park History, National Register,
History and Education; Archeology in the National Historic Landmarks
Program by Robert S. Grumet, Archeologist, Philadelphia Support
Office; and various descriptive paragraphs from a forthcoming
guide to National Historic Landmarks by Al Chambers.

The bulletin also reflects the comments and suggestions
of many individuals from State Historic Preservation Offices,
Federal agencies, and National Park Service staff. Special appreciation
is extended to Antoinette Lee, Special Projects Director, Heritage
Preservation Services; Robie Lange, Historian, and Carolyn Pitts,
Architectural Historian, National Historic Landmarks Survey;
and Kira Badamo, Historian, and Robert Sandoval, Historian,
National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers,
for their assistance during the preparation of the bulletin.

This bulletin was developed under the guidance of John H. Sprinkle,
Jr., Supervisory Historian, National Historic Landmarks Survey
and under the general editorship of Carol D. Shull, Chief, National
Historic Landmarks Survey and Keeper of the National Register
of Historic Places. Beth Savage, Architectural Historian, National
Register of Historic Places, was responsible for publications
coordination and Sarah Pope, Historian, National Register of
Historic Places, provided editorial and technical support. Comments
on this publication should be directed to Chief, National Historic
Landmarks Survey, National Register, History and Education,
National Park Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., NC400, Washington,
D.C. 20240.

I. INTRODUCTION TO NATIONAL
HISTORIC LANDMARKS

WHAT ARE NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS?

National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) are cultural
properties designated by the Secretary of the Interior as being
nationally significant. Acknowledged as among the nation's most
significant historic places, these buildings, sites, districts,
structures, and objects possess exceptional value or quality
in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States
in history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture.
NHL designation is an official recognition by the federal government
of the national significance of historic properties. By 1999,
almost 2300 properties had been designated as National Historic
Landmarks.

Authorized by the Historic Sites Act of 1935 (Public
Law 74-292) and administered by the National Park Service, the
NHL program focuses attention on places of exceptional value
to the nation as a whole, by recognizing and promoting the preservation
efforts of private organizations, individuals, and government
agencies. While some NHLs are units, or are included within
units of the National Park System, the NHL program is important
to the preservation of many outstanding historic places that
are not included in the National Park System. Designation of
NHLs also furthers the educational objective of the Historic
Sites Act, because it leads to increased public attention to
and interest in a property. The program also serves as one of
Albert Kahn designed this fifteen-story structure with its clearly
defined base, shaft and attic story. Completed in 1923, the
tripartite vertical arrangement was typical of tall building
design at that time. the tools used to screen proposed additions
to the National Park System and to select properties for nomination
to the World Heritage List. Regulations for the program are
contained in 36
CFR Part 65.

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC
PLACES?

In addition to administering the National Historic Landmarks
Program, the National Park Service also administers the National
Register of Historic Places. The National Register is the official
federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and
objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology,
engineering, and culture. National Register properties have
significance to the history of their community state, or the
nation. Nominations for listing historic properties come from
State Historic Preservation Officers, from Federal Preservation
Officers for properties owned or controlled by the United States
Government, and from Tribal Historic Preservation Officers for
properties on tribal lands. Private individuals and organizations,
local governments, and American Indian tribes often
initiate this process and prepare the necessary documentation.
A professional review board in each state considers each property
proposed for listing and makes a recommendation on its eligibility.
Upon designation, National Historic Landmarks are listed in
the National Register of Historic Places if not already listed.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS BULLETIN?
This bulletin has been prepared in response to the growing interest
and appreciation of National Historic Landmarks. It contains
instructions for completing the National Historic Landmarks
nomination form. This form is used to document historic properties
for potential designation as National Historic Landmarks.

One nomination form is completed for each property
nominated for designation. This property may be a single resource,
such as a historic house or bridge, or it may be a historic
district containing multiple buildings, structures, sites, and
objects. Information on the nomination form identifies, locates,
and describes the historic property in order to determine its
integrity; explains how the property meets one or more of the
NHL criteria; and makes the case for the national significance
of the property.

A brief history of the NHL program; NHL theme studies and their
use; NHL designation procedures; preparing NHL boundary studies'
NHL documentation improvement studies, and studies to withdraw
NHL designation; and using NHL documentation are also discussed
in this document.

HOW ARE POTENTIAL NHLs IDENTIFIED?
The NHL Survey requires a comparative framework for the determination
of national significance. National Historic Landmarks are most
often identified through "theme studies" which consider related
properties within a specific historic context. However, National
Historic Landmarks may also be identified through special studies
of individual properties which may be initiated by either the
National Park Service or outside parties. Nominations outside
the context of theme studies need to establish the properties'
integrity and strength of historical associations in relation
to comparable properties within the content of the nomination.
The aspects of a NHL nomination that differ from a National
Register nomination are:
* National significance
* National context
* High level of integrity
* Different criteria

WHO PREPARES NHL NOMINATIONS?
NHL nominations are prepared by interested individuals, organizations,
contractors, State Historic Preservation Officers, Federal Preservation
Officers, and NPS staff, with the participation and assistance
of the owner(s) of the property. The NPS staff can provide information
about theme studies and other comparable properties that may
be relevant in the evaluation of particular properties and provide
preliminary advice on whether a property appears likely to meet
NHL criteria. The NPS recommends that those wishing to prepare
a NHL nomination consult with the NHL
Survey to discuss the property before preparing, the nomination.
National Park Service regional and support office staff
who administer the NHL program in their areas may also provide
preliminary evaluations and assistance in preparing NHL nominations.
Preparers of nominations should also work with property owners,
the State Historic

HOW ARE NHLs DESIGNATED?
Once a draft nomination is prepared, it may be reviewed by the
NHL staff of the NPS
regional and support offices, as well as the NHL Survey
in Washington. Following these reviews and any appropriate revisions,
owners and elected officials are officially and formally notified
and given an opportunity to comment on those nominations that
are likely candidates for NHL designation. (Owners of private
property are given an opportunity to concur in, or object to,
designation. In the case of more than one owner, if a majority
of private property owners object, the Secretary of the Interior
cannot designate the property but can determine whether it is
eligible for designation.) The nominations are then forwarded
to the National Park System Advisory Board for review and recommendation
to the Secretary of the Interior. After considering the Board's
recommendations, the Secretary designates NHLs.

WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS CRITERIA?
The National Historic Landmarks criteria (Code of Federal Regulations,
Title 36, Part 65.4[a and b]) set a stringent test for national
significance, including high historical integrity. Potential
NHLs are evaluated against the National Historic Landmarks criteria
and their justification for NHL designation must be documented
in narrative form.

See Figure 1 for a complete listing of National
Historic Landmarks Criteria.

Figure 1.

National Historic Landmarks Criteria

The quality of national significance is ascribed to
districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects
that possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating
or interpreting the heritage of the United States in
history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and
culture and that possess a high degree of integrity
of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship,
feeling, and association, and:

Criterion 1

That are associated with events that have
made a significant contribution to, and are identified
with, or that outstandingly represent, the broad national
patterns of United States history and from which an
understanding and appreciation of those patterns may
be gained; or

Criterion 2

That are associated importantly with the lives of
persons nationally significant in the history of the
United States; or

Criterion 3

That represent some great idea or ideal of the American
people; or

Criterion 4

That embody the distinguishing characteristics or
an architectural type specimen exceptionally valuable
for the study of a period, style, or method of construction,
or that represent a significant, distinctive, and
exceptional entity whose components may lack individual
distinction; or

Criterion 5

That are composed of integral parts of the environment
not sufficiently significant by reason of historical
association or artistic merit to warrant individual
recognition but collectively compose an entity or
exceptional historical or artistic significance, or
outstandingly commemorate or illustrate a way of life
or culture; or

Criterion 6

That have yielded or may be likely to yield information
of major scientific importance by revealing new cultures,
or by shedding light upon periods of occupation of
large areas of the United States. Such sites are those
which have yielded, or which may reasonably be expected
to yield, data affecting theories, concepts, and ideas
to a major degree.

Ordinarily, cemeteries, birthplaces, graves of historical
figures, properties owned by religious institutions
or used for religious purposes, structures have been
moved from their original locations, reconstructed historic
buildings and properties that have achieved significance
within the past fifty years are not eligible for designation.
If such properties fall within the following categories
they may, nevertheless, be found to qualify:

Exception 1

A religious property deriving its primary national
significance from architectural or artistic distinction
or historical importance; or

Exception 2

a building removed from its original location but
which is nationally significant primarily for its
architectural merit, or for association with persons
or events of transcendent importance in the nation's
history and the association consequential; or

Exception 3

A site of a building or structure no longer standing
but the person or event associated with it is of transcendent
importance in the nation's history and the association
consequential; or

Exception 4

A birthplace, grave or burial if it is of a historical
figure of transcendent national significance and no
other appropriate site, building, or structure directly
associated with the productive life of that person
exists; or

Exception 5

A cemetery that derives its primary national significance
from graves of persons of transcendent importance,
or from an exceptionally distinctive design or an
exceptionally significant event; or

Exception 6

A reconstructed building or ensemble of buildings
of extraordinary national significance when accurately
executed in a suitable environment and presented in
a dignified manner as part of a restoration master
plan, and when no other buildings or structures with
the same association have survived; or

Exception 7

A property primarily commemorative in intent if design,
age, tradition, or symbolic value has invested it
with its own national historical significance; or

Exception 8

A property achieving national significance within
the past 50 years if it is of extraordinary national
importance.

II. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NHL
PROGRAM

The Historic Sites Act of 1935 directed the Secretary
of the Interior, through the NPS, to "make a survey of historic
and archaeologic sites, buildings, and objects for the purpose
of determining which possess exceptional value as commemorating
or illustrating the history of the United States." The framers
of the act envisioned that most of those places found from the
survey to possess national significance would be acquired by
the NPS. Initially then, the survey was viewed as a means of
expanding the National Park System and improving its representation
of the nation's past.

In supporting the act in his testimony before
the House Public Lands Committee, Secretary of the Interior
Harold L. Ickes also said that such a survey "would make it
possible to call to the attention of States, municipalities
and local historical organizations, the presence of historical
sites in their particular regions which the National Government
cannot preserve, but which need attention and rehabilitation."
Thus, from the beginning of the survey, education and encouraging
preservation by non-NPS entities were major goals as well.

The Historic Sites Act also established the Secretary
of the Interior's Advisory Board on National Parks, Historic
Sites, Buildings, and Monuments (today the National Park System
Advisory Board). Survey activity under the act was formally
inaugurated in July 1936. Although the Advisory Board disclaimed
any government commitment to acquire properties found nationally
significant, survey recommendations were kept confidential to
forestall public concern about government intentions.

America's entry into World War II brought a virtual
end to survey activity. It was not until 1956, in the course
of planning for Mission 66? a ten-year development program to
improve facilities throughout the National Park System for the
50th anniversary of the NPS?that the survey was reactivated.
The intention was to contribute to planning for the "orderly
rounding out of the National Park System." The revival of the
survey also was viewed as important to historic preservation
efforts nationwide in the face of massive highway construction,
river basin projects, and urban renewal.

Beginning in 1960, historic properties found nationally
significant by the Secretary of the Interior received a new
designation: National Historic Landmark. Publicizing the list
of such properties would make their history and significance
known to the public. NHL designation also was seen as a way
to encourage private owners to preserve their important properties.
The NPS regarded NHL designation as an attractive alternative
to federal acquisition of historic properties?in effect, a supplement
to the National Park System.

Passage of the National Historic Preservation
Act (NHPA) in 1966 greatly expanded the federal government's
role in historic preservation. The act established the National
Register of Historic Places, which included properties of state
and local significance, as well as NHLs and historic units of
the National Park System. Historic preservation grants were
made available to assist the preservation of properties listed
in the National Register, including NHLs. In addition, Section
106 of the NHPA requires federal agencies to consider properties
included in or eligible for the National Register in federal
project planning and allows the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation an opportunity to comment before funding, licensing,
or assisting projects that would affect them.

In the 1980 amendments to the National Historic
Preservation Act, National Historic Landmarks were given explicit
recognition in law. In 1983, regulations (36
CFR Part 65) were published that defined the National Historic
Landmarks criteria and the procedures for considering new properties
for inclusion as NHLs.

III. NHL THEME STUDIES

What are NHL Theme Studies and How are They Prepared?
Usually, NHLs are identified through theme studies. Theme studies
are the most effective way of identifying and nominating properties
because they provide a comparative analysis of properties associated
with a specific area of American history, such as the fur trade,
earliest Americans, women's history, Greek Revival architecture,
space exploration, or labor history. Theme studies provide a
national historic context for specific topics in American history.
A theme study must provide that necessary national historic
context so that national significance may be judged for a number
of related properties.

Some theme studies are mandated by Congress, while
others are determined by the NPS, and are generally prepared
under cooperative agreements or contracts with other governmental
entities or private organizations. In the development of theme
studies, partnerships with the academic community, independent
scholars, and others knowledgeable about the subject are encouraged.
Emphasis is placed on the preparation of theme studies that
meet academic and professional standards, that provide a context
from which the most appropriate properties within the theme
are identified, that can be used to assist in the evaluation
of historic properties at all levels, and that can be used to
educate the public about the nation's heritage.

A potential NHL nomination preparer should consult
with the NHL Survey to obtain information on already prepared
NHL theme studies (see Appendix B). The NHL Survey can determine
if the proposed theme for the property has had a study prepared
in the past, if the proposed property itself has been under
review or consideration at any time in the past, or if comparable
properties have been designated.

If no theme study exists, or if the theme study
is incomplete or outdated, the applicant must document the context
within the individual nomination form. In order to have a successful
nomination, the preparer should research, outline, synthesize,
and interpret the historical record on one or more nationally
significant historical themes to which the property relates
through its historic uses, activities, associations, and physical
characteristics. The nomination should discuss how the property
reflects an important aspect of the history of the nation as
a whole, has contributed in an exceptional way to the diverse
geographical and cultural character of the nation, or is illustrative
of a national trend, issue, or movement. One way to do this
is by citing judgments of national significance from scholarly
professional literature. The nomination should provide a compelling
justification for national significance based on sound reasoning
which establishes why this property is worthy of this exceptional
consideration. The preparer should also explain how the property
relates to other properties nationwide having similar associations.

In developing the appropriate historic context
for the property, nomination preparers should refer to the National
Park Service's Thematic Framework. This framework provides for
eight categories, each representing a significant aspect of
the human experience.

Figure 2.

Guidelines for Developing Historic
Context

Identify and provide facts about one or more historical
themes for the nation as a whole to which the property
relates through its historic uses, activities, associations,
and physical characteristics. Discuss how the property
reflects an important aspect of that theme or has contributed
in an exceptional way to the diverse geographical and
cultural character of the Nation. The facts should be
organized by theme, geographical place, and period of
time. Also, explain how the property relates to other
properties nationwide having similar associations. (For
a complete discussion of historic context that may be
applied to National Historic Landmark nominations in
some cases, see National Register Bulletins:
How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation
and How to Complete the
National Register Multiple Property Documentation Form.)
Properties
Significant for Criterion 1
Explain how the event or pattern of events made
an important contribution to the
history of the nation, and how related types of properties
reflect these events. Properties Significant for Criterion
2
Explain why the person with whom the property is
associated is important to the history of the nation.
Identify also other properties associated with the person
and explain their role in the career of the person.

Properties Significant for Criterion
3

Explain how the property represents a great ideal
of the American people. Discuss the great ideal
and why it is an ideal to the people of
the United States. Identify other properties that could
be associated with this ideal and thoroughly explain
that association.

Properties Significant for Criterion
4
Explain why the type, period or method of construction
represents architectural features that are significant
in the development of the nation; or
Provide facts about the career and work of the artist,
architect, engineer, or landscape architect to explain
how the person was accomplished in his or her field
and made contributions to the art, architecture, or
landscape architecture of the nation and why the property
being nominated is an outstanding example of his or
her work.Properties Significant for Criterion
5
Explain why the property and its integral parts reflect
some exceptional historic movement, event, way of
life, culture or architectural style or period which
is important to the development of the nation. Identify
and explain the association of related types of properties
to the same movement, event, way of life, culture, architectural
style or period. Properties Significant for Criterion
6
Explain why the information the site is likely to
yield is important to the knowledge of the prehistory
or history of the nation.

Using the Thematic Framework
Public Law 101-628, Section 1209, directed the NPS to revise
its thematic framework for history to reflect current scholarship
and represent the full diversity of America's past. Before this,
the NPS had been using a theme structure developed in 1987 based
on earlier attempts to organize American history into identifiable
national themes. The revision presents a larger and more integrated
view of history, as it stresses the interplay of race, ethnicity,
class, and gender within and among the framework's broadened
topics. The 1996 thematic framework is attached as Appendix
A.

Evaluation of historic sites for NHL designation
is a professional process that involves analysis based on the
best current scholarship. Given the broad, conceptual nature
of the framework, it will need to be supplemented, on a case
by case basis, by more detailed outlines as particular topics
are addressed.

The revised thematic framework makes it easier
to incorporate the insights of social and cultural history,
which seek to tell the stories of broad social trends and ordinary
people. Unique and notable events are still included in the
framework's goals, but they are more likely to be placed firmly
within the broader contexts of their time. Studies of properties
may be on specific topics (jazz history, for example) but should
consider the holistic framework.

In using the thematic framework, it is important
to remember that it covers human history in what is now the
United States whether it occurred 10,000 or 50 years ago. "American"
refers to both precontact history and history. Also note that
history can be informed from many sources including archeology,
oral tradition, and documentary history.

This thematic framework is intended to make the
lives of the majority of Americans more visible and to enhance
one?s understanding of the connections between people through
time and place. The contexts of People, Place, and Time are
settings in which the themes are suspended. It is vital to consider
each of these elements in researching and interpreting the history
of the American people.

 People: People provide one of the over-arching
contexts within which to study the past. Issues such as gender
and ethnicity are not confined to any particular place, time,
or topic in history. Nor are they the only issues; culture
also provides continuity and a perspective from which to view
events. Such an approach may help to avoid the division of
American history into limited categories.

 Place: The relationship of people to
place is central to evaluating particular properties for national
significance since it is physical properties that are designated
NHLs. Relationship to place permeates each of the topics and
broad spheres of human activity.

 Time: Human actions develop through time;
however relevant chronological dates vary greatly, and it
is cumbersome to attempt to include each possible relevant
time period for all of the themes. Therefore it is most efficient
to define time periods according to the study that is being
undertaken. An example of variable dates for a similar "event"
is the timing of contact between indigenous people and European
explorers or settlers.

In using the thematic framework, one must recognize
that not all history is nationally significant. A holistic overview
encourages discussion of all facets of a property?s history,
but does not guarantee that all of that history will be recognized
as nationally significant.

Preparers of NHL nominations must cite the appropriate
themes and subthemes as included in the thematic framework when
nominating properties for NHL designation. In addition, preparers
should also refer to other NHL theme studies (or historic contexts)
already prepared which are relevant for a particular nomination.
The NHL Survey will be able to assist the preparers in locating
and reviewing past theme studies.

THEME STUDIES AS Multiple Property Submissions
In the past, theme studies have been prepared using a variety
of formats. New theme studies will be in the format of a Multiple
Property Submission (MPS) which will consist of

1) a historic context (the patterns or trends
in history by which a specific occurrence, property, or site
is understood and its meaning and ultimately its national
significance within history is made clear),

2) a discussion of the individual properties
which may exist and relate to the historic context,

3) the associative and physical attributes a
property must have in order to be considered for designation,

4) geographical data,

5) the methodology used in preparing the Multiple
Property Submission, and

While NHL theme studies using the Multiple Property
format are conducted primarily to identify a related group of
nationally significant properties, these studies can, at the
same time, provide information that is useful in identifying
and evaluating properties of state and local significance for
National Register eligibility within the contexts which are
documented in the Multiple Property studies. The same general
principles will apply to completing most of the sections of
the MPS format which follow.

MPS FORM Section A. "Name of Multiple
Property Listing"

Examples:

Racial Desegregation in Public Education
Great Camps of the Adirondacks Village Sites of the Middle Missouri Subarea Underground Railroad Resources in the United States

MPS FORM SECTION B. "Associated Historic
Contexts"Example: Multiple Property Listing The Development of Cemetery Design in the United States

Example: Historic Contexts

Frontier Graves, Homestead Graveyards, and
Churchyards, 1620-1947
The Development of Rural Cemeteries, 1831-1880
The Emergence of the Lawn-park Cemetery, 1855-1929
Military Cemeteries, 1862-1947
The Development of the Memorial Park, 1917-1947

MPS FORM SECTION D. "Certification"The information for Section D. "Certification"
generally will not apply as most NHL nominations do not go through
state or federal agency (other than the National Historic Landmarks
Survey) review.

MPS FORM SECTION E. "Developing Statement
of Historic Contexts for NHL Theme Studies" The historic context should be written as a concise description
of the historical theme against which a property or a group
of properties will be evaluated. The historic context statement
must be developed in sufficient depth to support the relevance,
the relationships, and the national importance of the properties
to be considered. Historic context may emphasize economic, social,
and political forces, such as certain industries, arts, literature,
and military subjects. A historic context may also be associated
with the life of a person or groups of persons that influenced
the destiny or character of the nation. Architectural styles,
building and structural types, as well as building materials
and methods of construction may also serve as the organizing
device for the historic context. A historic context for the
precontact period may involve an examination of sites within
a culture area.

Well-documented subjects (a renowned architect)
or events (the Lewis and Clark Expedition) require a historical
description that can be used to specifically evaluate the properties
within the broader historical context. The description may be
strengthened by citing published sources and conclusions from
scholars in the subject area as to the specific significance
of the theme and the properties within the theme.

For subjects that command fewer published sources,
it may be necessary to conduct considerable research in the
course of preparing a Multiple Property Submission. Scholars
and others knowledgeable about the subject should be contacted
for their views on the significance of the theme and properties
related to it. The subject matter must be presented in a concise
manner and must demonstrate its relationship to the properties
discussed within the Multiple Property Submission.

The theme must be presented in the context of
national significance. Occasionally the theme is regional, but
in such cases, the national importance of the regional phenomena
must be clear.

MPS FORM SECTION F. "Associated Properties
and Registration Requirement"
The Multiple Property Submission must state clearly the necessary
requirements or qualities of historical association and integrity
that make a property or properties within a theme nationally
significant and therefore eligible for NHL designation. Close
study of the historic context statement will highlight those
trends or topics which have the potential to be illustrated
by tangible properties. Nationally significant associations,
high integrity and close relationship to the historic theme
(context) are the thresholds needed for NHL consideration and
designation. This section must also cite and justify the appropriate
NHL criterion or criteria.

The discussion of properties within the Multiple
Property Submission should focus not just on specific property
types such as schools, train depots, or residences, but rather
on the nationally significant topics or subtopics that
have been identified in the historic context with which properties
may be most closely associated. The topics can be based on both
associative and physical attributes. Evaluating properties within
their appropriate historic contexts and comparing the individual
properties with other properties in their appropriate topic
provides the basis for determining which have nationally significant
historical associations or attributes with the highest level
of integrity and are therefore potential candidates for NHL
designation.

MPS FORM SECTION G. "Geographical Data" The geographical data defines the limits of the area where
properties included within the multiple property group exist
or are likely to exist. The geographical area covered by the
multiple property listing should incorporate the area covered
by its related historic context or contexts.

MPS FORM SECTION H. "Summary of Identification
and Evaluation Methods" A concise explanation of the methods used to prepare the
Multiple Property Submission should be provided. This information
should contain:

 how the historic context was determined;
 how the research on the historic context was conducted;
 how were those properties which might still exist and
which illustrate the nationally significant topics or subtopics
in the historic context determined;
 the survey methods used to identify properties to be
considered; and
 how was the decision of what constitutes the high integrity
needed to be considered made.

This section also should include descriptions
of properties considered for inclusion in the Multiple Property
Submission that were later rejected as not meeting the applicable
criteria. A discussion of why these properties were excluded
must be included.

MPS FORM SECTION I. "Major Bibliographical
References"The bibliography of sources used to prepare the Multiple
Property Submission should include primary and secondary sources
of information used in writing the historic context and identifying
the properties which may illustrate the nationally significant
topics within the historic context. These sources may include
other theme studies, published histories, historic photographs
and maps, oral histories, archeological surveys, folklife studies,
field surveys, and archival research in public and private records.
Do not include general reference works, unless they provided
specific information or assisted in evaluating and documenting
the properties to be considered.

SUMMARY

The Multiple Property nomination cover form includes
the historic context, the necessary requirements needed to be
considered under the theme, the discussion of properties which
may or have been considered, the geographical data, the methodology
used in preparing the theme study, and the general bibliography.
The nominations of individual properties related to the Multiple
Property Submission are prepared on individual National Historic
Landmark Nomination forms. (This form is a slightly modified
National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. See
Section V: Preparation of NHL Nominations.) The individual nomination
form need not repeat all of the history common to the theme.
However, each individual nomination must be able to stand on
its own, and national significance must be demonstrated for
each property individually. The Multiple Property nomination
cover form provides the historic context of the theme being
studied and allows interested parties to determine if their
properties may meet the requirements for designation under this
particular theme. The individual nominations are still the official
documentation for properties.

Preparers of NHL Multiple Property Submissions
are urged to work closely with the NHL Survey in developing
historic contexts, evaluating associated properties, creating
registration requirements, outlining the methodology, and finalizing
any other aspects associated with the cover document and related
individual NHL nominations.

IV. HOW TO EVALUATE AND DOCUMENT
NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR POTENTIAL NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS

Potential NHLs are evaluated for their national
significance according to a set of criteria that is different
from the more familiar National Register criteria. In preparing
a nomination of a property for National Historic Landmark designation,
the following guidelines should be considered. Claims for national
significance should be supported by presenting a historical
summary and reasoned comparison of the property to themes of
national importance and to similar properties nationwide. In
order to establish the relative merit of the proposed property,
it generally should be compared not only to properties already
identified as nationally significant in the same theme (i.e.,
existing NHLs or units of the National Park System), but also
should take into consideration all similar properties not yet
recognized by NHL designation or NPS authorization.

Establishing national significance requires the
examination of the theme in which the property is significant
to the extent necessary to document that the property represents
an important aspect of the theme on a national level and is
outstanding in its representation. A property should also
be exceptionally important compared to similar properties within
that theme. Not every residence of a nationally prominent
person is a strong candidate; only the one with the strongest
association is likely to be designated. Similarly, only the
finest or the most influential works by a master American architect
are likely to be designated NHLs.
NHL themes are not necessarily represented uniformly nationwide.
Regional patterns found only in one part of the country may
be significant nationally if the pattern they represent reflects
an important trend in the history of the United States.

The areas of national significance for a property
may differ from those of local and state significance. For example,
a hospital may be important nationally, statewide, and locally
in the history of medicine, but only have local architectural
significance.

Explanation of NHL Criteria

The following discussion is arranged by each
NHL criterion and explains each criterion in more detail.

NHL Criterion 1:

Properties that are associated with events
that have made a significant contribution to, and are identified
with, or that outstandingly represent, the broad national patterns
of United States history and from which an understanding and
appreciation of those patterns may be gained.

The events associated with the property must
be outstandingly represented by that property and the events
be related to the broad national patterns of U.S. history. Thus,
the property?s ability to convey and interpret its meaning must
be strong and definitive and must relate to national themes.
The property can be associated with either a specific event
marking an important moment in American history or with a pattern
of events or a historic movement that made a significant contribution
to the development of the United States.

The property that is being evaluated must be documented,
through accepted means of historical or archeological research,
to have existed at the time of the event or pattern of events
and to have been strongly associated with those events. A property
is not eligible if its associations are merely speculative.
Mere association with historic events or trends is not enough
to qualify under this criterion. The property's specific association
must be considered of the highest importance.

NHL Criterion 2:

Properties that are associated importantly
with the lives of persons nationally significant in the history
of the United States.

This criterion relates to properties associated
with individuals whose specific contributions to American history
can be identified and documented. The person(s) associated with
the property must be individually exceptionally significant
within a national historic context. The association must be
with the person's productive life, reflecting the time period
when he or she achieved significance. Properties that pre- or
post-date an individual's significant accomplishments are usually
not eligible. The individual's association with the property
must be documented by accepted methods of historical or archeological
research.

Generally, each property associated with an important
individual must be compared to other associated properties to
identify the one that best represents the person's nationally
historic contributions, and those comparisons must be documented.
The length of association is often an important factor when
assessing several properties with similar historically important
associations.

NHL Criterion 3:

Properties that represent some great idea
or ideal of the American people.

This criterion relates to properties that express
some great overarching concept or image held by the population
of the United States. It could be a general historical belief,
principle, or goal. The application of this criterion clearly
requires the most careful scrutiny and would apply only in rare
instances involving ideas and ideals of the highest order in
the history of the United States. For example, the Brown Chapel
A.M.E. Church, in Selma, Alabama, was designated under this
criterion because of the role it played in the events that led
to the adoption of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the ideal
of democratic, representative government in the United States.

NHL Criterion 4:

Properties that embody the distinguishing
characteristics of an architectural type specimen exceptionally
valuable for a study of a period, style, or method of construction,
or that represent a significant, distinctive and exceptional
entity whose components may lack individual distinction.

This criterion's intent is to qualify exceptionally
important works of design or collective elements of design extraordinarily
significant as an ensemble, such as a historic district. It
applies to properties significant for their physical design
or construction, including such elements as architecture, landscape
architecture, and engineering. The property must clearly illustrate
the physical features or traits that commonly recur in individual
types, periods or methods of construction. A property also must
clearly contain enough of those characteristics to be considered
one of the best representatives of a particular type, period,
or method of construction. (Characteristics can be expressed
in terms such as form, proportion, structure, plan, style, or
materials.) A building or structure is a specimen of its type
or period of construction if it is an exceptionally important
example (within its context) of design or building practices
of a particular time in history. The language is restrictive
in requiring that a candidate be "a specimen exceptionally valuable
for the study of a period, style, or method of construction"
rather than simply embodying distinctive characteristics of
a type, period, or method of construction. With regard to historic
districts, an entity must be distinctive and exceptional. This
criterion will not qualify all of the works of a master, per
se, but only such works that are exceptional or extraordinary.
Artistic value is considered only in the context of history's
judgment in order to avoid current conflicts of taste.

NHL Criterion 5:

Properties that are composed of integral
parts of the environment not sufficiently significant by reason
of historical association or artistic merit to warrant individual
recognition but collectively compose an entity of exceptional
historical or artistic significance, or outstandingly commemorate
or illustrate a way of life or culture.

This criterion is meant to cover historic districts
such as Williamsburg, Virginia; New Bedford, Massachusetts;
or Virginia City, Nevada, which qualify for their collective
association with a nationally significant event, movement, or
broad pattern of national development. Most historic districts
that are nationally significant for their extraordinary historic
importance, rather than for their architectural significance,
are recognized by this criterion.

NHL Criterion 6:

Properties that have yielded or may be
likely to yield information of major scientific importance by
revealing new cultures, or by shedding light upon periods of
occupation over large areas of the United States. Such sites
are those which have yielded, or which may reasonably be expected
to yield, data affecting theories, concepts and ideas to a major
degree.

Criterion 6 was developed specifically to recognize
archeological properties, all of which must be evaluated under
this criterion. Properties being considered under this criterion
must address two questions:

1) what nationally significant information is
the site likely to yield? and
2) is the information already produced nationally important?

Answers to both questions must be well documented
and logically organized. In order to establish the national
significance of an archeological resource, it must be demonstrated
how the data has made or will make a major contribution to the
existing corpus of information. This criterion requires that
potentially recoverable data are likely to substantially modify
a major historic concept, resolve a substantial historical or
anthropological debate, or close a serious gap in a major theme
of American history. It is necessary to be explicit in demonstrating
the connection between the important information and a specific
property. The discussion of the property must include the development
of specific important research questions which may be answered
by the data contained in the property. Research questions can
be related to property-specific issues, to broader questions
about a large geographic area, or to theoretical issues independent
of any particular geographic location.

The current existence of appropriate physical
remains must be ascertained in considering a property?s ability
to yield important information. Properties that have been partly
excavated or otherwise disturbed and that are being considered
for their potential to yield additional important information
must be shown to retain that potential in their remaining portions.

Properties that have yielded important information
in the past and that no longer retain additional research potential
(such as completely excavated archeological sites) must be assessed
essentially as historic sites under Criterion 1. Such sites
must be significant for associative values related to:

1) the importance of the data gained or
2) the impact of the property?s role in the history of the
development of anthropology/ archeology or other relevant
disciplines.

The following discussion is arranged by each
NHL criteria exception and explains each exception in more detail.

NHL Exception 1:

A property owned by a religious institution
or used for religious purposes would qualify if the property
derives its primary national significance from architectural
or artistic distinction or historical importance.

A religious property requires justification on
architectural, artistic, or historical grounds to avoid any
appearance or judgment by the government about the endorsement
of any religion or belief. If the property is nationally significant
for its architectural design or construction, it should be evaluated
within an established architectural context, and compared to
other properties of its type, period, or method of construction.
A religious property can also be eligible if it is directly
associated with either a specific event or a broad pattern that
is nationally significant in another historic context, or a
specific event or a broad pattern in the history of religion.
Individuals who were nationally significant by virtue of their
formation of or significant influence on an important religious
institution or movement, or who were important in the social,
economic, or political history of the nation may also qualify
a religious property for designation. This exception must be
considered if:

1) the resource was constructed by a religious
institution;
2) the resource is presently owned by a religious institution
or is used for religious purposes; or
3) the resource was owned by a religious institution or used
for religious purposes during its period of significance.

NHL Exception 2:

A building or structure that has been moved
from its original location, but which is nationally significant
primarily for its architectural merit, or for its association
with persons or events of transcendent importance in the nation's
history and the association is consequential, would qualify
for designation.

Because national significance is embodied in locations
and settings as well as in the properties themselves, moving
a property usually destroys the relationships between the property
and its surroundings and usually destroys associations with
historic events and persons. If the moved property is nationally
significant for its architectural merit, it must retain enough
historic features to convey its architectural values and retain
integrity of design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
If the moved property is nationally significant for its associations
with persons or events of transcendent importance, it must be
demonstrated that this property is the only surviving property
most importantly associated with a particular nationally significant
historic event or an important aspect of a nationally significant
person's life. However, the use of the word transcendent indicates
that the person or event must have a level of national significance
which is greater than that which would ordinarily qualify a
person or event to be nationally significant. In addition, the
property must be the single surviving property that is most
closely associated with the event or with the part of the person's
life for which he or she is nationally significant.

Moved properties must still have an orientation,
setting, and general environment that are comparable to those
of the historic location and that are compatible with the property's
significance. A rural house that is moved into an urban area
or an urban property moved into a rural setting or a bridge,
originally built over water, that is no longer situated over
a waterway would not meet this exclusion.

A property designed to be moved or a property frequently moved
during its historic use must be located in a historically appropriate
setting in order to qualify, retaining its integrity of setting,
design, feeling, and association. Such properties include ships,
railroad cars and engines, airplanes, and other passenger vehicles.

NHL Exception 3:

A site of a building or structure no longer
standing would qualify if the person or event associated with
it is of transcendent importance in the nation's history and
the association is consequential.

The nomination must demonstrate that the person
or event associated with the site of a building or structure
no longer standing is of a level of national significance greater
than that which would ordinarily qualify a person or event to
be nationally significant. In addition, that association to
the property must be demonstrated to have been consequential
rather than a connection that was incidental and of little impact
on either the event or the reason for the person to be considered
of exceptional national significance. This exception is rarely
met.

NHL Exception 4:

A birthplace, grave, or burial would be
considered for designation if it is for a historical figure
of transcendent national significance and no other appropriate
site, building or structure directly associated with the productive
life of that person exists.

The lives of persons nationally significant in
the nation's past normally are recognized by the designation
of properties illustrative of or associated with their productive
lives. Birthplaces and graves, as properties that represent
the beginning and the end of the life of important individuals,
may be temporally and geographically far removed from their
nationally significant activities, and therefore are not usually
considered eligible. To qualify, the birthplace or grave must
be the birthplace or grave of a person with a level of national
significance greater than that which would ordinarily qualify
a person to be nationally significant. In addition to the person
being of outstanding national significance, the site must be
the last surviving property associated with the person. When
all other properties directly associated with his or her productive
life are gone or have lost integrity, a birthplace or grave
may be eligible for designation.

A birthplace or grave may also be eligible if
they are nationally significant for reasons other than associations
with the person in question. It could be considered for association
with important event(s) (Criterion 1) such as the Haymarket
Martyrs? Monument in Forest Park, Illinois, or for architectural
significance (Criterion 4). In very rare cases, a birthplace
or grave could also be eligible if, after the passage of time,
it is significant for its commemorative value. (See discussion
on Exception 7, Commemorative Properties)

Properties that must meet this criteria exception
are birthplaces of nationally significant persons who lived
elsewhere during their period of significance, or a grave that
is nominated for its association with the significant person
buried in it. If the birthplace is the location of the nationally
significant person's productive contributions, or if the grave
is located on the grounds of a property where the nationally
significant person spent his or her productive years, then the
property does not need to meet this exception.

NHL Exception 5:

A cemetery would be eligible if it derives
its primary national significance from graves of persons of
transcendent importance, or from an exceptionally distinctive
design or from an exceptionally significant event.

A cemetery is defined as a collection of graves
that is marked by stones or other artifacts or that is unmarked
but is recognizable by features such as fencing or depressions,
or through maps, or by means of archeological testing. A cemetery
which contains the graves of persons of a level of national
significance greater than that which would ordinarily qualify
a person to be nationally significant may be eligible for designation.
These persons must have been of great eminence in their fields
of endeavor or had a nationally significant impact upon the
nation's history.

Cemeteries may also qualify based on distinctive
design values. These are the same values which are addressed
in Criterion 4 and could include aesthetic or technological
achievement in the fields of landscape architecture, city planning,
architecture, art, sculpture, or engineering. As for all other
properties being considered under Criterion 4, a cemetery must
clearly express its design values and be able to convey its
historic appearance, such as Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. A cemetery associated with nationally significant
historic events which could include either a specific important
event or general events which illustrate broad patterns could
also be considered for designation.

A cemetery that is nominated with its associated
church when the church is the main resource nominated does not
need to meet this exception. In addition, a cemetery does not
need to meet the exception if it is nominated as part of a district
but is not the focal point of the district.

NHL Exception 6:

A reconstructed building or ensemble of
buildings would qualify if the buildings are of extraordinary
national significance and are accurately executed in a suitable
environment and presented in a dignified manner as part of a
restoration master plan, and when no other buildings or structures
with the same association have survived.

A reconstruction is defined as the reproduction
of the exact form and detail of a vanished building, structure,
or object, or a part thereof, as it appeared at a specific period
of time. The reconstruction may be wholly constructed of new
materials or may be reassembled from some historic and some
new materials.

The event, person, movement, or style that the
property is significant for must be of a level of national significance
greater than that which would ordinarily qualify a person, event,
movement, or style to be nationally significant. When all other
properties directly associated with the event or person are
gone or have lost integrity, a reconstruction also may be eligible.

In addition, the reconstruction must be based
upon sound archeological, architectural, and historic data concerning
the historic construction and appearance of the resource. That
documentation should include both analysis of any above or below
ground material and research in written and other records. The
reconstructed property must be located at the same site as the
original and must also be situated in its original grouping
of buildings, structures, and objects (as many as are extant),
and that grouping must retain integrity. In addition, the reconstruction
must not be misrepresented as an authentic historic property.
The reconstructed property should also be an essential component
in a historic district and the reconstruction part of an overall
restoration plan for the entire district.

After the passage of fifty years, a reconstruction
may on its own attain national significance for what it reveals
about the period in which it was built, rather than the historic
period it was intended to depict. A reconstruction may then
be eligible if it addresses the particular criteria for which
it has now attained national significance.

NHL Exception 7:

A property that is primarily commemorative
in intent may be eligible if design, age, tradition, or symbolic
value has invested it with its own national historical significance.

Commemorative properties are designed or constructed
after the occurrence of an important historic event or after
the life of an important person. They are not directly associated
with the event or with the person's productive life, but serve
as evidence of a later generation's assessment of the past.
Their significance comes from their value as cultural expressions
at the date of their creation.

A commemorative property must be over 50 years
old and must possess significance based on its own value, not
on the value of the event or person being memorialized. The
Haymarket Martyrs? Monument is an example of this criterion
exception. A commemorative property's design often represents
the aesthetic values of the period of its creation. The property,
therefore, may be nationally significant for the architectural,
artistic, or other design qualities of its own period in history.
In this case, the property should be evaluated within an established
national architectural, artistic, or construction context, and
compared to other properties of its type, period, or method
of construction.

A commemorative property may also acquire national
significance after the time of its creation through age, tradition,
or symbolic value. In this case, the property must be nationally
significant under one of the criteria and the national significance
must be documented by accepted methods of historical research.

A commemorative marker erected to memorialize
a nationally significant person, event, or movement in the nation's
history would not be eligible simply for its association with
the person, event, or movement it memorialized. Neither is the
case strengthened for the consideration of a commemorative property
by the loss of other properties directly associated with a significant
event or person. The commemorative property does not have direct
historical association.

A single marker that is a component of a district
does not need to meet this criteria exception.

NHL Exception 8:

A property achieving national significance
within the past 50 years may be eligible if it is of extraordinary
national importance.

Fifty years is a general estimate of the time
needed to develop historical perspective and to evaluate national
significance. A property that has achieved national significance
within the last 50 years can be evaluated only when sufficient
historical perspective exists to determine that the property
has a level of national significance greater than that which
would ordinarily qualify a person or event to be nationally
significant. The necessary perspective can be provided by scholarly
research and evaluation, and must consider both the national
historic context and the specific property's role in that context.

A property that begins its period of national
significance more than fifty years before the nomination but
continues to achieve national significance into a period less
than fifty years before the nomination must meet this exception.
In addition, a property that is more than fifty years old but
whose nationally significant associations or qualities are less
than fifty years old must also meet the exception.

A historic district in which a few properties
are less than fifty years old, but the majority of properties
and their nationally significant period of significance are
greater than fifty years old, does not need to meet this exception.

Defining a High Degree of Integrity

Integrity is the ability of a property to convey
its historical associations or attributes. The evaluation of
integrity is somewhat of a subjective judgment, but it must
always be grounded in an understanding of a property's physical
features and how they relate to its historical associations
or attributes. The NHL Survey recognizes the same seven aspects
or qualities of integrity as the National Register. These are
location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling,
and association.

 Location is the place where the
historic property was constructed or the place where the historic
event occurred. The actual location of a historic property,
complemented by its setting, is particularly important in
recapturing the sense of historic events and persons.
 Design is the combination of elements that
create the historic form, plan, space, structure, and style
of a property. This includes such elements as organization
of space, proportion, scale, technology, ornamentation, and
materials. Design can also apply to districts and to the historic
way in which the buildings, sites, or structures are related.
Examples include spatial relationships between major features;
visual rhythms in a streetscape or landscape plantings; the
layout and materials of walkways and roads; and the relationship
of other features, such as statues, water fountains, and archeological
sites.
 Setting is the physical environment of a historic
property. It refers to the historic character of the place
in which the property played its historical role. It involves
how, not just where, the property is situated and its historical
relationship to surrounding features and open space. The physical
features that constitute the historic setting of a historic
property can be either natural or manmade and include such
elements as topographic features, vegetation, simple manmade
paths or fences and the relationships between buildings and
other features or open spaces.
 Materials are the physical elements that were
combined or deposited during a particular period of time and
in a particular pattern or configuration to form a historic
property. If the property has been rehabilitated, the historic
materials and significant features must have been preserved.
The property must also be an actual historic resource, not
a re-creation; a property whose historic features have been
lost and then reconstructed is usually not eligible.
 Workmanship is the physical evidence of the
crafts of a particular culture or people during any given
period in history. It is the evidence of artisans' labor and
skill in constructing or altering a building, structure, object,
or site. It may be expressed in vernacular methods of construction
and plain finishes or in highly sophisticated configurations
and ornamental detailing. Examples of workmanship in historic
buildings include tooling, carving, painting, graining, turning,
and joinery. Examples of workmanship in precontact contexts
include Paleo-Indian Clovis points, Archaic period beveled
adzes, Hopewellian worked bone pendants, and Iroquoian effigy
pipes.
 Feeling is a property's expression of the aesthetic
or historic sense of a particular period of time. It results
from the presence of physical features that, taken together,
convey the property's historic character. For example, a rural
historic district which retains its original design, materials,
workmanship, and setting will relate the feeling of agricultural
life in the 19th century.
 Association is the direct link between an important
historic event or person and a historic property. A property
retains association if it is the place where the event or
activity occurred and is sufficiently intact to convey that
relationship to an observer. Therefore, a property where a
nationally significant person carried out the action or work
for which they are nationally significant is preferable to
the place where they returned to only sleep, eat or spend
their leisure time. Like feeling, association requires the
presence of physical features that convey a property's historic
character.

For NHL designation, a property should possess
these aspects to a high degree. The property must retain the
essential physical features that enable it to convey its historical
significance. The essential physical features are those features
that define both why a property is significant (NHL criteria
and themes) and when it was significant (periods of significance).
They are features without which a property can no longer be
identified as, for instance, a late 19th century dairy barn
or an early 20th century commercial building. To assess integrity
one must

1) define the essential physical features that must be present
to a high degree for a property to represent its significance;
2) determine whether the essential physical features are apparent
enough to convey the property?s significance; and
3) compare the property with similar properties in the nationally
significant theme.

A property that is significant for its historical
association should retain the essential physical features that
made up its character or appearance during the period of its
association with the important event, historical pattern, or
person(s). If the property is a site where there are no material
cultural remains, such as a battlefield, the setting must be
intact. If the historic building associated with the event,
pattern, or person no longer exists, the property has lost its
historical integrity.

A property important for illustrating a particular
architectural style or construction technique must retain the
physical features that constitute that style or technique. A
property that has lost some historic materials or details can
be considered if it retains the majority of the features that
illustrate its style in terms of the massing, spatial relationships,
proportion, pattern of windows and doors, texture of materials,
and ornamentation. A property should not be considered if it
retains some basic features conveying massing but has lost the
majority of the features that once characterized its style.

For properties to be considered under Criterion
6, integrity is based upon the property's professionally demonstrated
intactness of archeological deposits and features. These are
important for identifying whether a site has the potential to
yield data that may address nationally significant research
questions.

Properties being considered under Criteria 1 through
5 must not only retain the essential physical features, but
the features must be visible enough to convey their significance
and historic identity. This means that even if a property is
physically intact, its integrity is questionable if its significant
features are concealed under modern construction. Archeological
properties are the exception to this; by nature they may not
require visible features to convey their significance.